Political framing of Covid-19
What is it about?
The present study examines the American political rhetoric surrounding Covid-19 and its representation as an enemy to go to war with. The study points to nuanced discourse strategies that are used in the White House press briefings to reconstruct the enemy and regroup the Coronavirus with other so-called enemies of the United States, such as the "Communists", "Islamic radicals," and "Latin gangs and cartels."
Why is it important?
To sustain itself, the American military industrial complex perpetuates wars, and to manage the public opinion, ideologies are smuggled into the public discourse through metaphors and other discursive devices that instill attitudes and ideologies while maintaining a facade of rationality and even-handedness. Understanding such nuanced linguistic devices and their function can provide insight and awareness to an otherwise heavily indoctrinated population.